206 HOW EELS ARE CAUGHT. 



longish scales, resembling very minute mesh- work, are 

 sunken in the skin. There are three or four species 

 found in British waters. The Sharp-nosed (Anguilla vul- 

 garis, or acutirostris) is the most common. The Snig eel 

 (Anguilla mediorostris) is best fitted for the table. Its 

 cervical vertebrae are without the processes found in the 

 first-named species and in the Broad-nosed eel (Anguilla 

 latirostris) . 



The eel-fishery is conducted in various ways. Weirs 

 and dykes are erected across streams, with baskets, or 

 bucks, as they are called, fixed in them, to entrap the eels 

 in the course of their passage. These bucks are of a con- 

 siderable size, and shaped like a jar, in the mouth of 

 which a funnel-shaped osier apparatus, constructed on the 

 principle of a mouse-trap, is securely fitted. The eels 

 readily force their way into the interior, but on attempt- 

 ing to return find the entrance closed against them. 

 " Eel-pots " are also used. These are made like the bucks, 

 but are not so strong or large. They are sunk, by means 

 of stones, in the favourite " runs " of the eels, among the 

 reeds or near the banks, and in this way scores are cap- 

 tured. .They are also taken by " night-lines." The 

 angler provides himself with a long stout line, to one end 

 of which he fastens a heavy weight, and the other he 

 secures to a post or stake on the border of the stream. 

 At intervals of three or four feet he arms his line with 

 hooks, baited with worms, minnows, or fragments of dead 

 fish, and then he sinks it in the muddy bottom of the 

 pond or stream. At early dawn he hauls in his line, and 

 generally finds himself supplied with a good harvest. 

 If left too long, however, the larger eels are apt to wriggle 



